PrintJune 24, 2007
Speaking Truth to Art
Looking out across our society and its recent development, one can no longer pretend that we are not in a state of severe decline. On virtually all fronts, Western civilization has arrived at its most dismal cultural and intellectual output. One need only compare the accomplishments of a mere century ago with our latter-day creations to see the enormity of the change. At art galleries and museums, one sees old masters alongside monstrosities that resemble elaborate displays of childish anger.The same applies to the general discourse, which is marked by derision of art that is traditional and untendentious. This can be contrasted with the furious nihilistic "art" that is one of the hallmarks of the anti-Western tsunami that is overtaking us.Communication of ideas, of messages with universal import, has been all but abandoned. It has been replaced by emotion. As French philosopher Alain Finkielkraut points out,We are living in a time of feelings, in which there is no longer...(Read Full Article)
